2015-03-03_PR Comm Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT PLAN Sp on 3 Witdlife Management Introduction There are several; species of wildlife found within the RCPRD System that warrant population monitoring and, as appropriate, population management. For those species specific management plans will be developed. At this time White-tailed Deer have exceeded the available habitat and Canada Geese have exceeded the social tolerance. The RCPRD has developed specific plans for deer and goose management. Other species of wildlife, such as raccoon, beavers, turkeys and coyotes may occasionally become problems. The RCPRD will deal with these on an as needed basis. Control may include removal or harassment. The RCPRD will continue to research and use cost effective wildlife management control measures as they are developed Deer Management Background In 1999, the RCPRD established a Cooperative Deer Management Program. Prior to that, the Cities of St. Paul and North Oaks, the Twirl Cities Army Ammunition Plant and H.B. Fuller Company had been involved in deer management and reduction programs. These programs varied from occasional removal of a few deer to regular programs removing several hundred deer. Maplewood, St. Paul, Shoreview, and White Bear Township showed interest in receiving additional information and/or assistance on deer management issues. The RCPRD properties are the main blocks of land within the county that can support deer populations. Moderate deer browse damage is noticeable in most properties. Moderate to severe rub damage on new plantings is common in Snail Lake Regional Park and Tamarack Nature Center. The Aerial Deer Surveys starting in 1999 (in RCPRD Natural Resources files), conducted by RCPRD, originally showed four areas with a potential need for some control. The areas included Turtle Creek Open Space, Poplar Lake Open Space, the Otter Lake and Tamarack portions of Bald Eagle - Otter Lake Regional Park, and Pigs Eye/Battle Creek (including Maplewood south of 1-94). The density of deer in and around these sites exceeded 50 deer per square mile. The 'Vadnais - Snail Lakes Regional Park also approached that level. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources normally recommends a density of less than 25 deer per square mile. Studies have shown that 15